SURIGAO TREASURE:Part 6of8 OF GINTONG PAMANA

Part 6 of the Gintong Pamana episode that aired on June 8, 2008 on THE PROBE at ABS-CBN.
Video Summary
In 1981, Berto Morales, a farmer employed as a bulldozer operator in an irrigation project in Surigao
struck gold. He discovered a treasure trove of gold ornaments while bringing down a hill to collect
filling materials.
The discovery, hitherto unknown to the public, is among the largest collection of Philippine
archaeological gold in the country as well as in the rest of the world.
Recovered in association with 10th to 13th century Chinese ceramics, the gold ornaments show
similarities in form and iconography with artifacts of other cultures in the region. Experts believe the
discovery will rewrite history.
Nothing of this scale and magnitude and magnificence has ever been seen before, says Dr. Florina
Capistrano-Baker, former curator of the Ayala Museum, of the gold find.
Gold specialist Dr. John Miksic of the National University of Singapore describes the Surigao treasure as the single most important tangible heritage of the country.
Experts say jewelers today cannot imitate or even come close to the quality of the workmanship of the
intricate designs of our ancestors gold.
Part of the Surigao treasure is the Sacred Thread, which is worn during ceremonies and weighs more than four kilos. Baker says the belt-like object is so heavy a mannequin broke because of its sheer weight.
PROBE reporter, Cheche Lazaro, searches for Berto Morales in Surigao. From then on, Lazaro uncovers that Bertos gold discovery takes many twist and turns -- involving threats to his life and family.
With the help of historians and experts, Lazaro reveals an amazing story about Philippines forgotten
civilization before the Spanish colonization of the archipelago in the 16th century and how the
archaeological gold artifacts associated with the pre-colonization period point to a sophisticated
civilization -- something that will give us a sense of identity and pride as a people.
Supported by historical accounts about pre-colonial Philippines, the Surigao gold collection show that
we were important players in the region 1,000 years ago and that gold was an important link between our country and the rest of our neighbors.

Tags: 10th 13th ancestors archaeological ayala century ceramics chinese civilization gold heritage
history museum period philippine pre-colonial probe sophisticated surigao to treasure

Category:

Education

Tags:

• BUYAWAN
• MAGROYONG
• SAN
• MIGUEL
• SURIGAO
• DEL
• SUR
• CARAGA
• CAGDIANAO
• MINDANAO
• PHILIPPINES
• NATIONAL
• TREASURE
• BOXER
• CODEX
• OF
• 1590
• PIGAFETTA'S
• AROUND
• THE
• WORLD

[nenabunena]

This is very very sad. We as a people don't have pride in our culture, history, traditions & ancestors. Other countries or Asians have so much pride that they pass it on to their children, they remember in honor of their ancestors & their origin, they preserve their culture & pride. But tayo, we destroy, maine, forget & discard every cultural treasure that could lift us up as a people. This is the reason why filipinos are poor, we have dont honor our past nor our people.

[nenabunena]

@marvsyags1 ba't ka magtatanong dito sa yt? also, if it's a family heirloom, bebenta mo na lang? lol!

[nenabunena]

@zhilvher03 isn't it reasonable also to theorize that the reason yamashita;s gold was hidden in the phils. instead of china or taiwan is bec the significant portion of it came from excavated treasures from the phils?

[zhilvher03]

Philippines are actually rich..not just in natural resources but also in gold.

We didnt noticed that because foreign invaders such as Spain take it from us.We have our own culture but when Spanish era comes it vanish.So sad! Now Ive realized patronizing our own culture more and be nationalistic.

[marvsyags1]

sir meron po kami antique vase 6.5 kilos ang bigat,mrn symbols sa bibig nya parang cemento na kulay dark bronze..tga davao po kami galing pa daw un sa ninuno ng lolo ng papa ng mama q ,,magkanu po ba halaga ng mga ganung vase?pm me kung mrn kunsonada dun na bibili..bibigay po namin un sa good price..ayaw po namin sa sekretong bintahan ...kung puede sa legal na paraan...pm me...punta sa davao ung interested buyer..

contact number q pala 09103049471

[09092214584]

@anitamoko yes so sad ngah

[anitamoko]

@09092214584 akala ako lang ang nalungkot sa nangyari sa mga ancestral artifacts na ito...and felt nationalism and patriotism...I really feel like crying dahil dito...

[frauleinpinky]

wow, nakita ko to sa metropolitan museum sa tabi ng bangko sentral!!!

[zanero88]

hay c lola lily,isa ito sa nkabili nung mga ginto kaya hanggang ngayon ang yaman pa rin nila sa san miguel,

[rarsenue]

i've seen the ancient gold artifacts in the bangko sentral ng pilipinas museum way back in 2005. very intricate designs. it's a reminder and proof that people in pre-historic philippines were wearing gold in abundant quantity.